Crock Pot Pepper Steak is a warm and cozy dish that’s super easy to make. You get tasty beef, colorful peppers, and a yummy sauce all cooked together in one pot. What’s not to love?
I like to serve it over rice for a filling meal. There’s something magical about letting it cook while I relax. Plus, my house smells amazing all day long! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Flank Steak: This cut is ideal for stir-frying due to its flavor and tenderness. However, if flank steak isn’t available, you can use skirt steak, sirloin, or even chuck roast for a different flavor profile and tenderness.
Bell Peppers: I recommend using both green and red peppers for a color contrast and flavor balance. If you’re looking for other options, yellow or orange bell peppers can work well too, or you can use poblano peppers for a little heat.
Beef Broth: If you want a lighter version, low-sodium beef broth is a great alternative. Chicken broth also works in a pinch. Just keep in mind it will affect the flavor slightly.
Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free version, try using tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Coconut aminos are also a tasty alternative that adds a hint of sweetness.
Cornstarch: This ingredient is optional but helps thicken the sauce. You can replace it with arrowroot powder or even all-purpose flour if you’re in a pinch.
How Do I Get My Beef Nice and Tender?
The key to tender beef is searing it properly at the start of the recipe. This step locks in the juices, making the meat more flavorful. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat the skillet over medium-high heat until hot before adding oil.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; give the beef enough space to brown instead of steam.
- Sear for about 3-4 minutes, turning to brown all sides evenly.
After searing, transferring the beef to the Crock Pot ensures it’s cooked slow and low, which also helps tenderize it as it absorbs all the flavors from the broth and veggies.
Delicious Crock Pot Pepper Steak Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef and Vegetables:
- 2 lbs beef flank steak, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy Crock Pot Pepper Steak takes about 15 minutes of prep time. You’ll need to cook it for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Perfect for a relaxing day at home while it simmers away!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Searing the Beef:
Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced beef flank steak to the skillet. Sear the beef until it’s nicely browned on all sides, which should take about 3-4 minutes. After browning, transfer the beef to your Crock Pot.
2. Adding Vegetables:
Next, add the sliced green and red bell peppers, sliced onion, and minced garlic on top of the beef in the Crock Pot. This will give your dish a colorful and flavorful boost!
3. Mixing the Sauce:
In a bowl, combine 1 cup of beef broth, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, and 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk it together well and then pour this delicious sauce over the beef and vegetables in your Crock Pot.
4. Cooking the Dish:
Cover your Crock Pot with the lid. Set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
5. Thickening the Sauce (Optional):
If you like a thicker sauce, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl until smooth. About 30 minutes before you plan to serve the dish, add this mixture to the Crock Pot and stir gently to combine. Cover and let it cook for the remaining time to thicken up.
6. Serving Suggestion:
Once everything is cooked to perfection, serve your hot and hearty Crock Pot Pepper Steak over rice or noodles. Don’t forget to scoop up that rich sauce!
Enjoy your comforting and flavorful Crock Pot Pepper Steak!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute flank steak with cuts like sirloin or chuck roast. Just keep in mind that tougher cuts may require a longer cooking time to become tender, so adjust the cooking duration as needed!
What if I Don’t Have Beef Broth?
No worries! You can use chicken broth or even vegetable broth as a substitute. It may slightly alter the flavor, but it will still taste delicious! Just ensure it’s low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add in veggies like mushrooms, carrots, or snap peas for extra flavor and nutrition. Just be aware that adding more veggies might require a slight increase in cooking time to ensure everything is tender.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dish; it will keep well for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating!
